Association Urges Embassies to Address Work Visa Delays in Portugal
Key Points
- Casa do Brasil de Lisboa is urging Portugal’s government to expedite visa processing for Brazilian nationals.
- The organization highlights that some Brazilians face delays exceeding 200 days to obtain work visas.
- The association calls on consulates to adhere to deadlines and comply with Portuguese legislation.
Brazilian nationals are facing significant delays, particularly in obtaining work visas for Portugal, with waiting times often surpassing 200 days.
In response, Casa do Brasil de Lisboa (CBL), a non-profit immigrant association, has called on the Brazilian Embassy in Portugal and the Migration Council to apply pressure on the Portuguese government to address the issue, as reported by Schengen.News.
CBL President Ana Paula Costa emphasized that consulates must adhere to deadlines and follow Portuguese legislation, stating it is unjust for citizens to suffer due to government inefficiencies.
The delays mainly affect job search visas, introduced in 2022 under the mobility agreement with the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). These visas allow citizens to reside in Portugal while seeking employment.
Efforts to Improve Visa Processing
In June 2024, Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, announced plans to hire 50 additional staff members to strengthen consular operations. However, further progress is required to meet growing demand.
Casa do Brasil President Costa clarified that the association cannot directly influence consular processes but insists that timely visa issuance is crucial for facilitating regular migration.
Brazil’s Ambassador to Portugal Calls for Action
Brazilian Ambassador Raimundo Carreiro has also urged Portugal to expedite the regularization process for Brazilians, particularly the over 200,000 pending applications at the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA).
The ambassador noted that unresolved documentation hinders immigrants' access to essential services, such as healthcare, employment, and education.
Long-term visas are mandatory for Brazilian nationals planning to work or study in Portugal for over 90 days, but applicants often face extended delays, impacting their ability to settle and integrate effectively.